They might look a little young to be in military uniform, but the cadets of Aberdeen's American Cadet Alliance take their responsibilities seriously. “Double time!” cried Cadet Pvt. Raven Shelton, 16, as she led her fellow cadets outside the Armory on Monday afternoon to practice self-defense techniques. The Aberdeen unit of the American Cadet Alliance is the first unit in South Dakota. It started in mid-March and has about 10 members, said Capt. J.D. Shultis, the adult volunteer leader of the unit. The American Cadet Alliance consists of Naval, Marine and Army cadets. According to its Web site, www.militarycadets.org, its mission is “to instill in young Americans, through a multi-faceted cadet program which is physically and mentally challenging and rewarding, the importance of national pride, service to others, and maintaining a drug-free and gang-free lifestyle.” Anyone who is 12 years old or in the sixth grade can join the American Cadet Alliance. Cadets usually leave the program once they turn 18 or graduate from high school, Shultis said. Youths who join the American Cadet Alliance are called recruits until they go through the program's two-week basic training at headquarters in Dayton, Pa. When they graduate from basic training, they earn the title of cadet. “The personal pride they take (after graduation), it's just amazing,” Shultis said. Shelton and Cadet Pvt. Casey Barlow, 12, said basic training was physically and emotionally demanding - but it was fun. “We learned a lot of good things there, a lot of lifetime lessons that you won't get anywhere else,” Shelton said. “Our graduation was the proudest moment I've ever had in my life.” Shelton and Barlow are Marine cadets. Barlow joined the American Cadet Alliance in April, and Shelton in June. “We thought we had what it takes to be yelled at and get motivational speaking,” Barlow said. Skills acquired: Cadets learn about self defense; flag etiquette; firearm safety, etiquette and storage; military history; first aid; leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills; personal responsibility and respect. Barlow and Shelton said respect is the most important lesson they've learned in the American Cadet Alliance. “You learn how to look someone in the eye when you talk to them or shake their hand,” Shelton said. Volunteer work, fundraisers: Cadets also do volunteer work within the community, Shultis said. The American Cadet Alliance and the Civil Air Patrol, of which Shultis is the commander, will work together to help local veterans' organizations next Memorial Day. The Aberdeen unit of the American Cadet Alliance meets at 5:30 p.m. every Monday at the Armory on Roosevelt Street. Shultis said he hopes the meeting format changes to one weekend a month sometime this year. Shultis said cadets are not obligated to military service after they leave the program, but many join the military after high school - which Shelton said she intends to do. “Those who do join the military are going to find it an easier route because they know what to expect,” Shultis said. Cadets can participate in optional activities such as a week-long winter survival training or week-long dive certification training, for which they can earn high school or college credit, Shultis said. The American Cadet Alliance does not receive any federal or state funding - it survives on donations and membership dues, Shultis said. He estimated it costs about $500 per year to enroll a youth in the American Cadet Alliance - but he said most of that cost is covered by money from donations and fundraisers. He said no one will be turned away due to an inability to pay. To raise money, the American Cadet Alliance will host a spaghetti feed at the Eagles Club at 7 p.m. Friday. Anyone wishing to join the American Cadet Alliance or any adults who wish to volunteer can call Shultis at (605) 622-7064 or (605) 290-3611, or e-mail him at jdshultis@militarycadets.or g.